Berlin Raceway returning to '06 tire package

Berlin Raceway changed its Late Model tire rule last year in an effort to cut expenses for drivers and provide more competitive racing for the fans.

When those changes failed to produce the desired results, the track hosted an extensive test in September in which four brands of tires were tested.

The results are in, and come to find out, the tire package Berlin offered in 2006 proved to be best after all.

"We are going back to four new tires every week, and we will be using the same compound we had in 2006," said Mike Strevel, Berlin's director of race operations. "We had a tire test in late September with different Hoosier tires, and we timed and we checked, and you know what, the ones we had in 2006 are the way to go."

Berlin will host a pair of test-and-tunes, beginning with Saturday's session from 1-5 p.m., followed by Wednesday's run 5-9 p.m. practice.

The season opener is slated for April 12.

Drivers were allowed only two new tires each week last year, and they raced on a harder compound. The field featured 24 cars in early April but had dwindled to 12 on Aug. 11 due to a rash of accidents, forcing officials to reconsider the tire rule.

"We had some big accidents last year, and what it boils down to is that perception is reality," said Bob Marz, who heads the Berlin pit steward staff. "They were blaming it on the tires because you had two hard tires and two used tires from the previous week. They didn't feel like they had the grip and stopping power that they had before, so they feel that some of the accidents they were in were because they didn't have the maneuverability."

Drivers overall are pleased with the change, and count Tom Thomas of Grandville among them.

Thomas is the two-time defending track champion, having taken top honors with both tire packages. However, he said he preferred the 2006 rules.

"I'm all for four new tires," Thomas said. "We have elite cars as far as local racing goes, and they belong on four new tires every week, and they belong on four good tires a week.

"They are putting us on some pretty good rubber this year, and I'm excited about it. We've done well on them in the past."

The track will offer Super Stocks, Sportsman and 4-Cylinder racing in addition to Late Models this season. The track will offer 15 Late Model dates, down from 21 a year ago.

"The season champion will win $7,500, which is down from $10,000 last year, but we are racing six less times," Strevel said.

"Our purse money is back up to $1,600 to win each night after we dropped it to $1,200 last year."

Gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday. General admission is free, and pit passes are $20.